IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup quarter-final played between Argentina and The Netherlands on Friday.
IMAGE: Argentina’s Nahuel Molina celebrates after scoring the opener. Photograph: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Lionel Messi set up Nahuel Molina for the opening goal in the 35th minute to give Argentina a 1-0 lead over the Netherlands at halftime in their World Cup quarter-final on Friday.
With the Argentinian fans far outnumbering their Dutch counterparts, the stadium was bouncing from the start, and Messi thrilled his compatriots with some of his trademark penetrating dribbles.
IMAGE: Lionel Messi is challenged by Frenkie de Jong. Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
The 35-year-old’s rush at the heart of the Dutch defence paid dividends 10 minutes before the break as he slipped a sublime ball through for Molina to clip home from close range.
The winner of Friday’s clash will meet Croatia, who beat Brazil on penalties, in the semi-finals next Tuesday.
IMAGE: The Netherlands’ Steven Bergwijn is tackled by Argentina’s Cristian Romero. Romero was penalised for the challenge. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Argentina have most of the ball in the first 15 minutes of the game. There have been forays into the Dutch half but there have been misses.
First real attack from the Netherlands comes in the 16th minute. Dumfries volleys the back across the face of goal, but Blind does not get enough of it.
IMAGE: Argetina’s Lionel Messi controls the ball as he cuts past defenders. Photograph: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
IMAGE: A general view as Virgil Van Dijk of Netherlands and Lionel Messi of Argentina lead their teams out prior to kick off. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
